Largs Pencilpoint monument

The year was 1263 and King Hakon of Norway had brought anarmy to attempt to reassert his sovreignty over the west of Scotland.

While his fleet was gathered in the Firth of Clyde fate and the weather forced several of his ships aground near what is now Largs.

The Scottish army arrived while Hakon's men were trying to salvage their ships and the now famous Battle of Largs took place on the beach.

The outcome of the battle was inconclusive and not considered to be of historical significance.

The pencil monument was construced in 1912 and Largs now holds an anual festival to comemorate the battle, 2013 being the 750th anniversary.

BAE barge move

The latest section of aircraft carrier passing Greenock on its journey by sea round the north of Scotland.

This module will become the rear island of HMS Queen Elizabeth, currently being assembled at Rosyth.

Loch Thom & Gryffe

We complain often enough about the weather when it is cold or wet, but it was neither of these when I took a wander aroung the Gryffe reservoir and Loch Thom area.

Having waited till late afternoon, the sunlight was less intense and ideal for walking in.

One of many streams arounf Gryffe reservoir

Gryffe reservoir

Heron patiently waiting the arrival of lunch

Loch Thom compensation reservoir